Hardwork and perseverance pay off

EDITORIAL

April 16, 2012|BY GERALD KRUEGER, Aberdeen

High accolades are in order for the Aberdeen Thunder basketball team, which took first place in the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament March 9-10 in Yankton. What a marvelous accomplishment for these talented and hardworking young men and women.

There is something special about these kids excelling and proving once again that hard work and perseverance really do pay off. It warms the heart of so many folks to see these milestones in these young lives.

A pat on the back goes to coaches Mike Markley and Kevin Johnson for their work. No one can understand the long hours, patience and coaching needed to guide these youngsters to greater and greater accomplishments.

It is wonderful for these men to step up and mentor their charges to a state title. The next time you see Mr. Markley and Mr. Johnson, stop and tell them thanks for their dedication. Hats off to them and their entire families.

We, your admirers and fans, want to say how proud we are of you and what you accomplished. Not too often can someone say, "We are the champs."

We wish you great success in the future and know you will excel at any endeavor you pursue. How proud the parents of these youngsters must be. They are to be congratulated for their support and patience in developing their charges on to great accomplishments. You all deserve high accolades.

It is so wonderful to see people offer their time and patience to bring a team along to becoming No. 1 in the state. This act of sharing, giving and unselfishness gives us such a great example of the caliber of citizens we have in our community. Even though your efforts might seem to go unnoticed, many of us are so proud of you and offer you a hearty handshake of thanks for all you do for the community, especially for these young athletes you have led to great accomplishments.

Much can be said also for the organizers of such an event. All of you conribute to making a nation great because you care, see a need and fulfill that need. The satisfaction of a job well done has to be the ultimate high.

It is heartwarming to see the leadership and participation among adults who are willing and dedicated to making a good life for these citizens who deserve all of the attention.

Accomplishments can bring so much happiness. Being the best in the state is such a milestone, and the athletes must know they worked together to form a team of winners. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Nuff said.

Gerald Jerry Krueger is a retired educator, coach, commercial pilot and farmer. Write him at americannews@aberdeennews.com. His column publishes Mondays.